What does bats in a belfry mean?

What does bats in a belfry mean?

to be crazy
Definition of bats in the/one’s belfry informal + old-fashioned. —to have bats in the belfry or (chiefly US) bats in one’s belfry is to be crazy an old woman with bats in her belfry.

Where does the saying bats in the belfry come from?

Etymology. 1899, from tendency of bats to fly around erratically, with “belfry” indicating “head, mind”.

Do bats live in belfry?

Actually that’s a bit of a myth: bats are unlikely to roost in belfries as they can be quite draughty (and noisy). Bats like it a bit warmer and prefer nooks and crannies in the main part of the church where they can huddle together rather than a belfry or tower.

Why does bats in the belfry mean crazy?

The idiom or phrase “bats in the belfry” means to exhibit eccentric or crazy behavior. Bats fly around erratically when disturbed in their cave, causing a chaotic scene that leaves everyone feeling panicked.

What is a belfry?

belfry, bell tower, either attached to a structure or freestanding. More specifically, it is the section of such a tower where bells hang, and even more particularly the timberwork that supports the bells.

Does the Bible mention bats?

Regarding the Hebrew word tinshames (Leviticus, 11:18), Rashi says “it resembles a mouse and flies about at night.” Clearly, a bat. Then, just one verse later, the Bible prohibits the consumption of an atalef, which is also translated as bat.

How do you use bats in the belfry in a sentence?

To be crazy; to act, think, or behave in a foolish or nonsensical manner. Tommy must have bats in the belfry if he thinks he can convince our mother to let him get a tattoo for his birthday. There’s an old lady who stands on the corner yelling at strangers all day. I think she might have bats in the belfry.

Do bats live in bell towers?

Bats can be found in churches all year round. Colder parts of the church, for example the tower or crypt and underground boiler rooms, can be used by hibernating bats.

What is meaning of toothsome?

agreeable, attractive
Definition of toothsome 1a : agreeable, attractive. b : sexually attractive a toothsome blonde. 2 : of palatable flavor and pleasing texture : delicious crisp toothsome fried chicken.

Is belfry a real word?

Belfry comes from the Middle English berfrey, a term for a wooden tower used in medieval sieges. The structure could be rolled up to a fortification wall so that warriors hidden inside could storm the battlements.

What is a synonym for belfry?

In this page you can discover 13 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for belfry, like: bell-tower, clocher, tower, steeple, cupola, turret, campanile, spire, carillon, minaret and clubhouse.